Counting Pennies

Until a few days ago, I had never heard the word “staycation.” Unless you happened to read the same article I did, I’m pretty sure you haven’t heard it either. According to the Urban Dictionary, a staycation is “a vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer.” While some take the word to mean vacationing not far from home (a town away, for example), others take it at its core meaning: ditching the suitcases but embracing every other aspect of a vacation without leaving your home at all.

The key to making this successful is in planning well in advance so everything that seems remotely like work is off your schedule. This includes laundry, cooking, and, of course, working. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Take a few days off work. Or use a long weekend if you can’t afford the vacation time.
• Switch off the phone and stay away from e-mail as much as possible. Or at least as much as you would if you were going away somewhere (I know I check my e-mail from the hotel’s business center when I’m away). If you can’t get people to understand that you’re taking a vacation at home, simply say that you won’t be available and that you will get back to them after you “return.”
• Make the most of your backyard. If you’re one of the lucky ones who has enough space for an inflatable pool, a grill or some lounge chairs, get them now and set them up. Visit the Dollar Store and get colorful decorations, candles or plastic lamps and other items that would make the overall look more attractive.
• See what your city has to offer. You don’t have to stay in your own home if you don’t want to or if you don’t have the luxury of a backyard. Instead, stop by your local library to see if they offer free activities, workshops or concerts. Local community colleges, museums or cultural centers sometimes have special schedules during the summer, so you can plan your days to include some of these activities.
• Stock up on DVDs from Netflix, Blockbuster or even the library. Plan family night, horror night or comedy night and organize some games, foods and decorations around a central theme.
• Make it a goal to visit some attraction in your city or town that is considered “very touristy” and that you would never visit otherwise.
• Consider switching homes with a friend. If being home is too much of a temptation to do some housework, talk to a friend or relative about switching homes. Even if the house is just a few blocks away from yours, the change of scenery will make you feel like you’re away.
• If you can afford the added expense, check into a local hotel or Bed & Breakfast. You don’t need to travel outside of your own city, especially if you live in one large enough that moving from one borough to another feels like being in a different place altogether.
• Cook in advance or be ready to order delivery. The kitchen is off-limit during a staycation.
• The same is true of any other type of housework. You’ll have time to catch up later.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS